Darius Songaila’s pupils managed to defeat Vilnius Rytas (15-9) at home with a score of 107:90 (31:27, 22:24, 23:18, 31:21).
Rytas remains second in the standings, but the gap to the closest teams is narrowing. Šiauliai climbs to third position, matching Klaipėda Neptūnas (14-10) in wins.
Šiauliai has so far won two head-to-head matches against Neptūnas (14-10).
The hosts were not hindered by the absence of injured Dayvion McKnight, Marius Valinskas, and Siim-Sander Vene, as well as the ailing Cassius Stanley.
Šiauliai broke a seven-game losing streak against Rytas at home, having lost 16 consecutive games in total.
Šiauliai set a good tone for the game and prevented Rytas from pulling away – Oskaras Pleikys was draining threes – 13:12. Kenneth Smith had put Rytas ahead, but the visitors’ lead was short-lived – 28:23. After the first quarter, Šiauliai led 31:27.
Artūras Gudaitis and Jordan Caroline initiated a Rytas run, after which they led 34:31. Cedric Henderson and Ignas Sargiūnas exchanged baskets, and eventually, the hosts regained the initiative – 43:36. They slightly held that initiative until the end of the half – 53:51.
After the break, I. Sargiūnas tried to pull Rytas ahead (56:57), but Vaidas Kariniauskas consistently provided an answer. The difference began to grow, and Šiauliai pulled away (65:56) until the lead eventually became double-digits – 69:58. I. Sargiūnas dunked, A. Gudaitis was also accurate, though his free throw missed – 65:69. At the end of the third quarter, the hosts still led – 76:69.
A. Marčiulionis tried to spark Rytas (74:78), but the hosts had other plans – after S. Fofana’s long-range shot, the lead became double-digits again – 84:74. Šiauliai maintained their lead (91:80) and did not allow Rytas to get closer, although A. Marčiulionis was active on offense.
Stefanas Simaničius scored very painful points for Rytas (94:82), and Rytas failed to ignite any significant intrigue until the very end of the match.
C. Henderson played his best LKL game, supported by Betsson, scoring 40 points, grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 4 assists, and accumulating 43 efficiency points.
A. Marčiulionis played his most productive game in the league, scoring 25 points.
Jerrick Harding’s game ended after less than 2 minutes due to a cut above his eyebrow.
Šiauliai scorers: Cedric Henderson 40 (4/9 3pt, 43 eff.), Vaidas Kariniauskas and Oskaras Pleikys (7 reb.) – 16 each, Selim Fofana 15, Stefanas Simaničius 12.
Rytas scorers: Augustas Marčiulionis 25 (18 3pt), Ignas Sargiūnas 18, Artūras Gudaitis 14, Kenneth Smith 13 (11 ast, 4/6 3pt), Jordan Caroline 9.